For Scottish rugby fans, Jonny Gray, needs no introduction. The formidable Scottish International made is debut back in November 2013 and has been a firm favourite in the national team line-up ever since. With the preparations for the Rugby World Cup 2019 well underway Jonny shares with us a few thoughts on what the tournament holds for the Scotland Squad.
This is your second Rugby World Cup; how does it feel being invited into the training squad. Is this year any different from previous tours?
I feel very lucky to be selected for the training squad and, for me, it always feels the same to get picked. It’s always a really proud moment I never take for granted. There has been a huge buzz in camp since the first day.
The Rugby World Cup is hosted in Japan this year – how has the squad been preparing for the games and have preparations differed much to that of other international matches?
We toured to Japan three years ago and played in some tough, hot and humid conditions, so we’re trying to replicate that in our training, like in our overseas camp in Portugal and a lot of saunas and hot baths after training to get our bodies used to working in a higher temperature. We’ve also moved around different training venues in this pre-season, much like we will when the tournament gets underway. The squad also has a camp in Nagasaki ahead of the tournament’s start so that’ll be another good chance to acclimatise.
What can spectators and supporters expect from Scotland in this World Cup?
We try to play a fast, expansive brand of rugby. We have also worked hard on our defence which is important because of the teams we will be playing in our group and warm up Tests. The teams have lots of attacking threats and can score from anywhere.
What do you love most and least about the position you play?
The best thing about being a second row is that you have to be involved in a lot of different areas of the game – set piece, different phases, scrums and line-outs. It’s a great position. There has been lot of greats in the second-row position that I look up to in the game so it’s fantastic to play the same position as them.
Who is your all-time favourite player and why?
I’ve been very lucky to play against some great players, but ex-Ireland second-row Paul O’Connell was a player I looked up to a lot. A special player and a great leader who achieved so much in the game.
You are originally from Cambuslang and live in Glasgow, but can you give us your top tips for a first-time visitor to Edinburgh?
I would say go down to BT Murrayfield for a Test match. We’re up to fourteen sell-outs in a row now and you’ll see why when you come to the ground – the atmosphere is amazing, there’s loads to do before and after kick-off. Walking through Edinburgh is great as well, there’s so much history in the city, it’s great to just walk around and take it all in.
Where is your own personal Hidden Edinburgh?
Last time I was in Edinburgh I went to see Greyfriars Bobby for the first time having learned about the story at school, so that was pretty cool. Definitely worth checking out.
What is your life motto (if you have one)?
I don’t really have a motto, I just try to keep things simple and enjoy life.
